Most Americans say the news they consume evokes negative emotions far more often than positive ones, according to a new Pew Research Center study
released this month.
The analysis, part of the Pew-Knight Initiative, a joint research program funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, found that roughly four in ten Americans (42%) say the news they get makes them feel angry often or extremely often, while 38% say it makes them feel sad that frequently. About a quarter say it makes them feel scared (27%) or confused (25%).
By contrast, far fewer Americans report positive emotions in response to the news. Just 10% say the news makes them feel hopeful often or extremely often, and even smaller shares say it makes them feel happy (7%) or empowered (7%).